NEW DELHI: New guidelines for management of Covid-19 infection in kids discourages use of masks in children, particularly aged 5 years and below, in what appears to be an assessment that risk of infection is small as well as concerns that masks may pose safety issues.
Children aged 6-11 years may wear a mask depending on the ability of the child to use it safely and appropriately under the direct supervision of parents or guardians, the guidelines say.
However, children above 12 should wear amask just as adults do.
While the drug remdesivir has not been recommended for treatment of Covid-19 in kids, rational use of high-resolution CT (HRCT) imaging has been suggested to monitor the effect of the disease on lungs.
The guidelines also advise against use of steroids in asymptomatic and mild cases as it can be harmful and could lead to other severe problems.
The use of steroids has been recommended only in hospitalised moderately severe and critically ill cases under strict supervision.
“Steroids should be used at the right time, in the right dose and for the right duration.
Self-medication of steroids must be avoided,” it said.